THEY are a band which have delighted audiences for five decades – and they’re coming to Weston.

The Searchers took the charts by storm in the 1960s with their pioneering 12-string guitar style, leading to a succession of pop rock hits such as When You Walk In The Room, Needles And Pins and Sweets For My Sweet.

Founding member and bassist Frank Allen spoke to the Mercury ahead of their August 2 Weston tour date, reflecting on a remarkable career which has seen them rack up sales of more than 40 million.

He said: “It doesn’t feel like it’s been 50 years. The time flies by.

“We’re lucky, really. A lot of people have to spend their whole lives doing jobs they hate.

“One highlight of our career was in 1989, we played to more than 160,000 at Wembley Stadium as a guest of Cliff Richard. It was one of the biggest shows we ever did.

“Another was in September 1969, we did a 46-date tour in America and played alongside some acts that went down as legends – Dusty Springfield, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes.”

He also revealed he has no plans for retirement, despite being 69 years old, but said the band is unlikely to write any new material as it could mean two months away from doing what they do best – touring.

The show will last for two hours, with an interval in-between, with stories told by the group about their experiences.

Allen added: “It is not just music, it is history and an experience.”

The Searchers are coming to The Playhouse in Weston on August 2 at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £17-19, are available by calling 01934 645544 or by going to www.theplayhouse.co.uk